Karen Wall
Hi! I'm Karen. I'm an LMFT in private practice for 10 years and a Psychiatric/Geriatric Registered Nurse of 34 years. I'm retired from the Army and the VA, including a deployment in 1991 for Desert Shield/Storm. I provide care via Telehealth and my practice is a mixture of different tools and techniques according to what I determine, with your help, is the best fit for you at the time. I'm a fan of complimentary medicine, which uses creative tools and techniques to add extra value and interest to your care (Cinematherapy, Bibliotherapy, Animal Assisted Therapy- live and robotic, to name a few).
First session
Before your first session, I will send you some forms and assessments to complete, which includes a comprehensive Intake Form for you to share your story and history of what is happening in your life. Being able to look at these first makes it easier for me to come up with a plan and approach that is just for you. Our first session will be just getting to know each other and establishing if you still feel I am a good fit for your needs. IF you have a pet, feel free to bring them along, as there is actual value in my seeing you with them and how you respond to them on an emotional level. I don't require any deep work or knowledge on your part; just happy to have you with me. I'll ask questions about your hopes and dreams, aka goals, and what you have tried in the past that either worked or did not work. Having been raised in the islands- Hawai'i- I do have a view of life that is about being relaxed and personable, as you will see.
Strengths
Being an RN for the past 34 years, I possess knowledge and skills from the medical world that have allowed me to be a source of added education information for my clients and colleagues. I am also a Veteran (deployed to Desert Shield/Storm in 1991) , highly experienced with the unique behavioral health needs of Veterans of all eras. Geriatric and dementia care are additional specialties. I am also experienced in working with healthcare workers trying to prevent burnouts in their careers. I welcome you from every walk of faith and spirituality. There are times when you will feel as if there is no way out of whatever it is you're dealing with, or that no one can relate to your experience and therefore have nothing to offer you.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is sincere about seeking and receiving my help with whatever is causing problems in their life. While I don't make you sign a contract for so many sessions, I do hope that you will see the value in what we are doing and will decide on your own to keep coming back. My special areas of focus are older adults (especially dementia care and family support) and Veterans (including Active Duty) and their spouses. It helps me a lot if you can spend our time together building a productive and trusting partnership, intending to make full use of anything I have to offer in the way of tools, techniques, education, etc.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
While I use a lot more than CBT, the results basically boil down to changing behavior through changing thoughts, which is the foundation of CBT. I have had the most success with CBT as Thought-Changing and Self-Talk. I start the client off with the basics and education on the method, then walk them through it during the session, then assign it as homework. My clients have all reported that this method was helpful and caused them to see things and people differently with more ease and trust.
Compassion Focused
Compassion is some I just have within my normal self and am able to use it in every interaction. It's important for me to show my client that I'm not just sitting there taking copious notes and judging them. Compassion is not rocket science; however, it can present issues with someone who is not innately compassionate,who is trying to fit a persona.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am a life-long student of culture, myself being a product of two very polar-opposite cultures (Japanese-Irish). I find it "fun" to learn whatever I can about any culture I come across, not just ethnic. If my client is amenable to the idea, I also will share my knowledge and experiences with their culture, whether I share it with them, or have experienced someone like them. This treatment method is basically me showing my client that I find them fascinating through their various cultural qualities.
Faith based therapy
I have a strong faith practice, and am comfortable talking with a client about their own beliefs and practice. I have no problem with praying if a client wants me to do that with them. I am Catholic, so more familiar with Christian ideas; however, I will enjoy learning about my client's faith and values if it helps them stabilize. I use Scripture and Theology in my work to help my client stay focused on the presence of God in their life.
Eclectic
This means that I will use many variations on a theme while using different methods based on what is happening in that moment. This category for me is the one where I get to put all of my skills and knowledge together and "mix-and-match" techniques that are unique to my client's needs and outcomes. This also means I am able to include my skills in complimentary techniques that are not always considered first in the mainstream therapy world (books, cinema/film, animals- live and robotic, laughter and humor, etc.).
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 97283
- New MexicoLicense CTB-2022-0016